From AAPSNews Service
More than 800 people participated in surveys conducted in January by The Ann Arbor Public Schools, according to reports published by the district this month.
Surveys took place online and as part of four budget workshop forums to give members of the public a way to provide feedback as school officials prepare a fiscal year budget for 2010-11.
Officials are looking to cut an estimated $20 million from the upcoming fiscal year budget which begins on July 1. They sought feedback from the public to help direct the budget process.
School district administration is expected to present a proposed budget to The Ann Arbor Board of Education in late March.
Surveys showed that:
• A majority surveyed supported some level of pay-to-play for sports and other extracurricular activities;
• Many are concerned with the number of schools the district operates;
• Some suggested consolidation of elementary schools and encouraged the use of Ann Arbor Transportation Authority by students and increasing walk zones.
• Forty percent of respondents focused comments on the number of school administrators.
• About 40 percent suggested leasing schools to outside groups to increase revenue and 30 percent suggested opening up the district for schools of choice.
Survey results can be found on the district Web page. PDFs can be read or downloaded under the “District Budget” section.